Lisa Seif C.A.R.E.S Counseling, Assessment, Rehabilitation, Education, Services Evansville, Indiana, United States
Session Description: Pregnant and new mothers engaging in substance use is on the rise. In tandem, postpartum depression (PPD) continues to increase. Before Covid 19, 10-15% of expectant and new mothers experienced some form of perinatal or postnatal mood disorder. By 2021 that number had increased to 36%. The literature further recognizes an increasing correlation between substance use disorders (SUD) and PPD, indicating that substance use both increases the risk for PPD and exacerbates symptoms.
New mothers being treated for depression often feel compelled to keep their substance use hidden, making diagnosis and treatment difficult. Untreated substance use can have long-term effects on the mother, the mother-child relationship, and the child’s development. If proper infant attachment is hindered, or substance use excessive, it can result in disabling conditions for the child, making it a generational problem.
This workshop will support clinicians in diagnosing and treating the common co-morbid conditions of substance use disorder and postpartum depression in women. The workshop will address how to construct a treatment plan and examine effective clinical strategies. Strategies incorporating a feminist perspective are proving successful. Clinical practice can utilize narrative therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), relational therapy, and solution-based interventions under a feminist umbrella.
Learning Objectives:
After this activity participants should be able to
Upon completion participant will be able to describe the interplay of substance use with postpartum depression.
Upon completion participant will be able to assess clients presenting with postpartum depression for substance use risk.
Upon completion participant will be able to construct a treatment plan directed at resolving the substance use and improving depressive factors in postpartum mothers.